Danni takes it and, hardly missing a beat, starts entering her number. I believe today we’ve come to an understanding. The two of us care for Molly, and it appears we’ll be much better able to look out for her if we’re in contact.

Besides, I’m starting to understand what Molly sees in Danni. I don’t think I would mind hearing from her outside of classes every now and then, if she feels so inclined. When she passes my phone back to me, I tuck it into my pocket and rest my hand over it.

Both Molly and Harriet quite obviously notice our silent exchange.

Neither looks entirely pleased.

ELEVEN ROSE

DB

September 14

There are articles about us!

Try not to read them.

Why wouldn’t I read them?

They’re nice

They say you rescued me

They should have said you squashed me.

But they never do aim for accuracy.

Don’t be modest, you totally rescued me

You weren’t even in squashing radius

Are the pictures nice, at least?

They’re screenshots

They’re nice of you

I look

Hmm

Like a bulldozer?

You’re mean over text.

I’m mean in real life.

Yeah but in real life you smile so I can tell you’re joking

Thank you

September 20

Pay attention.

They’re talking about my great-grandfather.

It’s riveting stuff.

A boring man, though, or so I hear.

I am paying attention

And how did you do that?

Do what?

Text without touching your phone

You just did it again!

Obviously I am touching my phone, Danni.

Honestly, have you never seen sleight of hand?

I’m impressed

Are you usually this easy to impress?

Maybe you’re just more impressive than you think you are

Unlikely. I’m quite enamored with myself.

I thought you wanted me to pay attention

You’re bugging me

Ideally, what I want is for you to become more proficient at multitasking.

I’m relying on you to entertain me.

I know this entire topic off by heart.

Well I don’t

Do you need me to tutor you?

I need you to let me focus

Counterpoint: if you wanted to focus you could simply stop replying.

Rose!

Oh dear.

Sorry to have gotten your phone confiscated.

Although in my defense, the more I think about it, the more I believe you got your own phone confiscated.

It was quite obvious you weren’t actually riffling through your satchel.

Please screenshot this and refer to it in the future so you no longer lose your phone privileges.

Now I’m bored.

Stop smiling at me.

September 26

What was the name of that place?

That … place…?

The place you mentioned. The bougie one.

Was I … awake for this conversation?

Yes Rose omg

It was yesterday!

The French one with the pate and shit

Oh, Mon Cœur.

That’s the name of the restaurant, to clarify.

I’m not flirting with you.